“I’m looking forward to being able to share the experience with my friends and family—and my team, everyone who helped me get to that point,” Gabby Thomas said ahead of her much-anticipated journey to Paris. Among her biggest supporters? Her mother, the heart of her personal cheer squad, and Spencer McManes, the former Yale Bulldogs quarterback who has been by her side since 2022. But it’s not just Spencer; his entire family has embraced Thomas as one of their own.

In fact, they traveled 4,670 miles from the U.S. to France. Ensuring she feels their unwavering support on the Olympic stage. But now, there’s even more to celebrate. Wedding bells are officially ringing for the 28-year-old track sensation! Thomas and McManes have taken their commitment to the next level, sending track and field fans into a frenzy with their massive announcement.

As if Gabby Thomas’ Olympic journey wasn’t already exhilarating enough, Vogue just made it official—she’s engaged! The iconic fashion magazine dropped a stunning set of engagement photos on Instagram, sending fans into a whirlwind of excitement. The caption read, “Congratulations are in order for @gabbythomas and @spencermcmanes; the couple is engaged!” And just like that, the track star’s biggest win of the season might not even be on the track. It’s in love.

While Thomas has built a reputation for electrifying the world with her speed, it was McManes who took the lead this time. In an exclusive with Vogue, the Olympic sprinter and Winter 2025 cover star revealed just how unexpected the proposal was. “Normally, he’s very bad with surprises—and this was the one surprise I think I’ve ever witnessed him keep,” she admitted.

For someone who reads the track like an open book, Thomas found herself completely speechless as her longtime boyfriend flawlessly executed a heartfelt proposal. The engagement marks a new chapter in Thomas’s story. One that’s just as thrilling as her chase for Olympic gold. Moreover, with a wedding on the horizon and the world watching her every move, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of unforgettable moments for the sprinting sensation.

How Gabby Thomas and Spencer McManes’ love story unfolded

It all started on Valentine’s Day when she and Spencer McManes casually browsed engagement rings at Tiffany’s in New York. If that wasn’t a big enough clue, McManes soon made another uncharacteristic move: reserving a table on a random night at their favorite Austin spot, J. Carver’s. But even then, Thomas remained blissfully unaware of what was coming.

Her boyfriend, on the other hand, was laser-focused on the details. When Thomas broke a nail on her ring finger, he immediately noticed and sent her $50 on Venmo, insisting she get it fixed. All these brief moments led up to the big day when, before Thomas’s grueling season began, the couple booked an Airbnb near Travis Heights for a quiet staycation.

When she stepped onto the rooftop, Spencer stood there, surrounded by sunflowers, her best friend, and a photographer, ready to get down on one knee, leaving her stunned.  Spencer had slid into her DMs with a playful message. “What did I do to earn a follow?” From there, their connection blossomed, transitioning from online banter to real-life chemistry.

Their first date at a speakeasy stretched into hours of conversation, and their second date revolved around their shared love for pizza. “I fell in love with him despite the fact that he went to Yale,” Thomas joked. As their bond deepened, the ultimate test of their relationship came during the Paris Olympics, where Thomas made history by winning three gold medals. Through every emotional high and grueling low, McManes was there as her unwavering pillar of support.

Cameras captured a tearful Thomas rushing into his arms in the stands after her victories, as McManes stood proudly in his “Team Gabby” shirt. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “We grew closer through it.” He added, “Last season helped us solidify our relationship and work really well as a team through the ups and downs.” Now, with a wedding on the horizon, Thomas isn’t just racing toward another career-defining season. She’s sprinting toward a lifetime of love.